Oman Accelerates Oil and Gas Production Strategy While Targeting Net-Zero Emissions by 2050
Muscat – The Ministry of Energy and Minerals in Oman is implementing strategic initiatives to enhance oil and gas production while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. This effort is part of the Sultanate’s broader transition to a low-carbon economy.
The ministry is actively managing energy transition projects and formulating policies to attract investments in sustainable energy. These initiatives align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and the national objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Anbouri, Director General of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, emphasized the importance of adopting advanced technologies to enhance hydrocarbon recovery and minimize the environmental impact of oil and gas operations.
Innovative Projects in Enhanced Oil Recovery
One notable initiative is a pilot project by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) at the Dhulaima field, where carbon dioxide is utilized in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations. This project aims to boost oil extraction from reservoir rock formations while supporting carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) efforts.
Investment in Renewable Energy
Dr. Al Anbouri highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote investment in renewable energy projects by providing opportunities and a supportive regulatory framework. Key projects currently under development include the Wind 1 and Wind 2 projects in Block 6, which together have a generation capacity of 200MW. These projects are among the first large-scale renewable energy developments designed to support oil and gas operations globally. They are approximately 42% complete and are expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of this year, with projections indicating a reduction of around 740,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Additionally, a 100MW solar photovoltaic project is being developed in Block 6, currently 51% complete, with an anticipated operational date in the second quarter of 2026. This project is expected to cut emissions by over 220,000 tonnes per year.
The Amin Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant, operational since 2020 with a capacity of 100MW, has already reduced emissions by more than 1.1 million tonnes. The Miraah solar steam generation project continues to support EOR operations through renewable energy sources.
The ministry is encouraging oil and gas operators to increase their reliance on renewable energy. PDO has set a target to source 30% of its operational energy needs from renewable sources by the end of 2026.
Sustainable Water Management Initiatives
The ministry is also advocating for sustainable management of water resources linked to hydrocarbon production through innovative environmental solutions. A prominent example is the Nimr Wetland Project, which employs reed-bed technology to naturally treat produced water. This facility has a treatment capacity of 175,000 cubic meters per day and is estimated to reduce emissions by 113,000 tonnes annually, while also serving as a habitat for over 140 species of birds and animals.
Similarly, the Rima Water Treatment Plant, which began operations in 2022, utilizes advanced biological treatment processes to manage approximately 40,000 cubic meters of water daily. This facility provides energy savings of up to 10MW and reduces carbon emissions by about 48,000 tonnes each year.
Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions and Flaring Reduction
Under its Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050, Oman aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2035 compared to a baseline scenario. This target includes 7% in unconditional commitments, while 26% relies on financing, technology transfer, and international support.
The oil and gas sector is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives, with a target of reducing sectoral emissions by up to 48% by 2035. This includes a 10% unconditional reduction target and an additional 38% contingent on external support and enabling conditions.
Oman is also focused on eliminating routine gas flaring by implementing integrated solutions to recover and utilize associated gas that would otherwise be flared. This initiative is a critical component of the sector’s emissions reduction strategy and promotes more efficient energy resource utilization.
According to the ministry, operating companies have already achieved a 50% reduction in routine flaring rates at several production sites through investments in gas recovery infrastructure and the utilization of recovered gas for power generation and operations. These initiatives align with Oman’s commitment to global efforts aimed at ending routine flaring by 2030.
Additionally, Oman has established a regulatory framework for carbon markets that governs the issuance, trading, and exchange of carbon credits. This framework is designed to facilitate the development of emissions-reduction projects, enhance market transparency and credibility, attract investment, and enable companies to capitalize on opportunities in international carbon markets.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-15 18:53:00 • By the Editorial Desk
